From left: Chris Longmore (Manager, Fibre Procurement, Mercer Celgar), Mike Lynn (Sr. Manager, Fibre and Mill Services, Mercer Celgar), John McKay (Managing Director, Mercer Celgar), Chief Clarence Louie – Osoyoos Indian Band, Michael Borgh – CFO, The Sutherland Group, Tyler Snitynsky – Sales, Skemxist Solutions, Dan Macmaster – Head of Forestry, Osoyoos Indian Band
OKANAGAN FALLS – Mercer Celgar has announced a partnership with Skemxist Solutions to jointly operate a log sort yard in Okanagan Falls.
Skemxist is an Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) company, and the collaboration highlights a shared commitment to sustainability, responsible forest resource utilization, and creating economic opportunities that respect cultural values and strengthen community connections.
OIB has joined forces with the Sutherland Group, a forestry solutions leader specializing in efficient resource management to bring cultural heritage and operational expertise to Skemxist Solutions. Mercer Celgar, which has a manufacturing plant in Castlegar, actively supports this partnership as part of its sustainability efforts, contributing responsibly sourced wood fibre while respecting the OIB’s stewardship of their lands.
“This partnership exemplifies an international corporation’s commitment to working alongside the Osoyoos Indian Band to foster economic stability and sustainable forestry,” says Dan Macmaster, OIB Forestry Manager. “Mercer shares our values and priorities in forest management, and we look forward to a strong, long-term relationship.”
The partnership will create skilled jobs for OIB members through Skemxist Solutions, including positions as log scalers and equipment operators. Mercer Celgar plays a direct role in supporting training programs designed to meet industry standards, ensuring participants gain the expertise needed for long-term forestry careers.
The log sort yard will maximize fibre utilization, including timber from fire-damaged forests, and reduce inefficiencies. Operations will align with globally recognized forestry standards.
“This initiative represents a step forward in how we work collaboratively with local communities to achieve shared goals,” says Mike Lynn, Senior Manager, Fibre and Mill Services at Mercer Celgar. “It demonstrates our commitment to responsible forestry and the importance of meaningful partnerships in building sustainable futures.”
The log sort yard will operate 11 months a year, ensuring a consistent supply of fibre for Mercer Celgar’s operations while supporting regional forestry goals. Managed by Skemxist Solutions, the facility will prioritize safety, efficiency, and advanced sorting techniques to achieve full resource utilization.
Key metrics—including fibre utilization, safety outcomes, training success, and economic impacts—will guide the partnership’s progress. This focus ensures that success is measured not just financially, but also in terms of environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Mercer Celgar supplies softwood pulp and forest products to global markets.
Skemxist Solutions services extends across various sectors, providing heavy industry solutions, including project consulting, road building and maintenance, drilling and blasting, civil construction, harvesting, marine services, aggregates, and transportation.
The Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation (OIBDC) provides jobs, funding community priorities, and investing in programs and services that enhance the well-being of the nation’s people.
The Sutherland Group of Companies has been solving complex heavy industry problems through integrated management solutions since 1995. They feature an integrated network of heavy industry experts, offering a comprehensive range of services spanning equipment, logistics, personnel, and safety. Their team specializes in roadbuilding and maintenance, drilling and blasting, harvesting, chipping and grinding, aggregate sales, marine services, heavy equipment repair, and transportation services.
By Mark MacDonald